Chainsaws and Brush Clearing
Construction and general industry · Ver en español
Talking points
- Required PPE for chainsaw operation includes chainsaw chaps or pants, a face screen or safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hat, and gloves.
- Test the chain brake before each use — it must stop the chain immediately. The chain brake is your primary protection against kickback.
- Drop-starting a chainsaw (holding it in the air and pulling the cord) is prohibited. Start it on the ground with the chain brake engaged.
- Maintain a two-person awareness zone — know where others are working and maintain safe distances. A chain can throw debris 50 feet or more.
- Watch for spring poles (bent trees under tension), dead limbs overhead (widowmakers), and lean direction before making any cut.
Ask the crew
Is everyone wearing the correct PPE for today's cutting work — including chaps and face protection?
Standards this talk is built on
A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing. It supports the training a standard requires; it does not replace it.
Run this talk with your crew and keep the record
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Sign-in sheet
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| Name | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|
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